Who to believe and how to research?

[Asvin]

I am actually sick of doing research about religiion, God, and other related concepts online to find one source say there is no evidence for x, whereas another says there are plenty. My question is, How can I trust what these guys write online and how can I know if it is not biased? I often hear people say Jesus was just copied from Horus, whereas others say there is missing or made up information about Horus. Then there is the usual one where people say there is NO HISTORICAL EVIDENCE of Jesus' existence (Usually the atheists) and others say there are plenty. Can someone set me straight on this?

 

[texastig]

Dr. Gary R. Habermas - Online Resource for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

 

[Birthew]

Its not about evidence its about faith. All you can do is listen to what your told from each side and decide for yourself.

 

[drich0150]

Its not about evidence its about faith. All you can do is listen to what your told from each side and decide for yourself.

If you are looking for evidence, then you are not looking for God.

If you seek God first, "evidence" to sustain your belief will be provided. Note this may not be the evidence you are looking for.

 

[paul1149]

Being sick of religion is a good place to be. Because where man ends, God begins (2Cor 5.13). At some point the opinions of man become meaningless. All that matters is hearing God's voice. Many go around in the strength of their intellect. Intellect is a good thing when harnessed by God, but it makes a lousy substitute for intimacy with God. I would say to put the books down for a while and try some faith-filled listening. Give the Lord time to speak. When He does, it won't matter what anyone thinks. The cacophonous opinions of this world will fade away.

 

[E.C.]

I am actually sick of doing research about religiion, God, and other related concepts online to find one source say there is no evidence for x, whereas another says there are plenty. My question is, How can I trust what these guys write online and how can I know if it is not biased? I often hear people say Jesus was just copied from Horus, whereas others say there is missing or made up information about Horus. Then there is the usual one where people say there is NO HISTORICAL EVIDENCE of Jesus' existence (Usually the atheists) and others say there are plenty. Can someone set me straight on this?

Take online things with a grain of salt for one thing.

Yes, there is evidence of Christ. There are the Gospels, the Epistles, etc, and there is also the Didache which was basically a 1st century Christian catechism. Part of the problem in finding non-religious evidence in the form of say, tax records, is the fact that not only do records deteriorate over time, but also in the Middle East there has been a considerable bit of violence going on from the time of Christ up to and including now. Along with it, especially during the spread of Islam, came the destruction of libraries and records. Naturally, one could speculate that if there was a 1st century tax record of Jesus than it is probably long gone by now.

 

[razeontherock]

I am actually sick of doing research about religiion, God, and other related concepts online to find one source say there is no evidence for x, whereas another says there are plenty. My question is, How can I trust what these guys write online and how can I know if it is not biased? I often hear people say Jesus was just copied from Horus, whereas others say there is missing or made up information about Horus. Then there is the usual one where people say there is NO HISTORICAL EVIDENCE of Jesus' existence (Usually the atheists) and others say there are plenty. Can someone set me straight on this?

While I hate to see you in this position, it is good to see you here as well. Yes, that is a paradox!

You have apparently learned that www can mean "world wide waste of time."

I boldly declare to you that finding YOURSELF within the pages of Scripture, is
the best "evidence" of Spiritual Truth there is, because it will be relevant TO YOU. Here's a bit, with the disclaimer that just because I see something, doesn't mean you have that vantage point now:

"Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat:" (Luke 22:31)

Experience is the most cruel teacher - but you are young and strong. You may also be a lot of fun at a party, and the upcoming summer may give you lots of opportunity for that. Hopefully you recognize what you are going through as a struggle, as labelled by this sub-forum? G-d is very concerned with our struggle! When He tests us, it is not to cruelly watch us fail, but to prove that we will succeed ... the issue is, what is our goal??

Hopefully yours is Truth, and you will pursue that with integrity.

 

[razeontherock]

In harmony with what others have said - listen to this:

YouTube - ‪Voice Of Truth - Casting Crowns‬‏

 

[Asvin]

While I hate to see you in this position, it is good to see you here as well. Yes, that is a paradox!

You have apparently learned that www can mean "world wide waste of time."

I boldly declare to you that finding YOURSELF within the pages of Scripture, is
the best "evidence" of Spiritual Truth there is, because it will be relevant TO YOU. Here's a bit, with the disclaimer that just because I see something, doesn't mean you have that vantage point now:

"Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat:" (Luke 22:31)

Experience is the most cruel teacher - but you are young and strong. You may also be a lot of fun at a party, and the upcoming summer may give you lots of opportunity for that. Hopefully you recognize what you are going through as a struggle, as labelled by this sub-forum? G-d is very concerned with our struggle! When He tests us, it is not to cruelly watch us fail, but to prove that we will succeed ... the issue is, what is our goal??

Hopefully yours is Truth, and you will pursue that with integrity.

Thanks for the reply! I do agree that the internet is sometimes a waste of time because I guess anyone can set up a website these days and express their opinions without backing them up without irrefutable evidence.. I was recently watching this guy, Lee Strobel, who was a former atheist and he explained how he became a Christian after doing research on his own.. He is a grown man with a job and money at his disposal.. I guess he can travel and look at the evidence and interview scholars himself.. However, that's not my case.. I don't have a job, have thousands of dollars in debt, and live with my parents.. sometimes I get tired and just yell out and hope to know for sure the answers to the questions I have.. Maybe I am bipolar, because I can't stick with one faith, I go from atheist to Christian and back to atheist every x days... I just wish I see evidence that goes BAM! I wish I see evidence that kind of "LOCKS ME IN".. if you see my point..

Anyway thanks for the reply! I am always glad to see you post because I think you are pretty darn knowledgeable about the bible and other related stuff!

 

[razeontherock]

I have not read Lee Strobel myself, but I do know of many Christians who have been Blessed by his work. So I think that exploring his thoughts could be exactly what you need now? Peace to you, and perhaps you can see yourself in this:

"after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you]." (1 Peter 5:10)

 

[Annoula]

my spiritual sister, many years ago (when we didn't know each other) was in a very difficult psychological state. she had depression and was thinking of killing herself. while she was alone at her job one night (around 9 in the evening), she thought to herself: "God, if you exist help me".
in a little while an Orthodox monk showed up to make a call from her store. they started talking and now she is her Spiritual Father.
it is unusual for a monk to walk around a big city at night.
we both believe it was a direct message from God because this meeting changed her life for good.

what i am trying to say is, that if you make honest questions you will get direct answers.

God cannot be understood by logic. looking for logical answers in texts and discussions sometimes makes things worse.

God talks to your soul, so stay tuned to yourself, pray if you want and ask honestly. being honest is an esoteric action of our soul.

wishing you the best.

 

[bling]

Thanks for the reply! I do agree that the internet is sometimes a waste of time because I guess anyone can set up a website these days and express their opinions without backing them up without irrefutable evidence.. I was recently watching this guy, Lee Strobel, who was a former atheist and he explained how he became a Christian after doing research on his own.. He is a grown man with a job and money at his disposal.. I guess he can travel and look at the evidence and interview scholars himself.. However, that's not my case.. I don't have a job, have thousands of dollars in debt, and live with my parents.. sometimes I get tired and just yell out and hope to know for sure the answers to the questions I have.. Maybe I am bipolar, because I can't stick with one faith, I go from atheist to Christian and back to atheist every x days... I just wish I see evidence that goes BAM! I wish I see evidence that kind of "LOCKS ME IN".. if you see my point..

Anyway thanks for the reply! I am always glad to see you post because I think you are pretty darn knowledgeable about the bible and other related stuff!

Looking for real “evidence” on line might not be a good idea.

As far as having a huge budget and going around the world talking to people is not what most of us can do.

God wants to get personal with you help you one on one, listen to you ideas, share with you, spend time with you, give you a hug, and let you experience His Love. If this is not happening to you it is more my fault then yours or God’s.

You see, the way God has designed it is for you to experience Good first hand living through willing Christians. You are to witness God first hand by seeing His Love presented in through true Christians.

If a true Christ like person is not coming to you (this is my fault), you could go looking for one. Unfortunately there are not many in the affluent neighborhoods and might have to be found where there are lots of needy people.

 

[Asvin]

Looking for real “evidence” on line might not be a good idea.

As far as having a huge budget and going around the world talking to people is not what most of us can do.

God wants to get personal with you help you one on one, listen to you ideas, share with you, spend time with you, give you a hug, and let you experience His Love. If this is not happening to you it is more my fault then yours or God’s.

You see, the way God has designed it is for you to experience Good first hand living through willing Christians. You are to witness God first hand by seeing His Love presented in through true Christians.

If a true Christ like person is not coming to you (this is my fault), you could go looking for one. Unfortunately there are not many in the affluent neighborhoods and might have to be found where there are lots of needy people.

I understand what you are trying to say.. Obviously what you are saying is based on the Bible.. that is where my dilemma is.. The evidence I research for on different websites contradict each other.. I am just asking why there are contradicting, yet convincing arguments.. obviously one side has to be wrong.. If I know that the evidence presented to me are factual, then I can proceed to believe and follow what the Bible teaches.. do you follow me?

 

[razeontherock]

I am just asking why there are contradicting, yet convincing arguments.

Let me interject some mind-boggling info:

there are airtight arguments, thoroughly provable by Scripture, for not 2 but 3 different positions re: the same topic. By highly intelligent, well-learned, and respected Christians.

.


The subject matter I refer to is not really the issue, but the subject happens to be the rapture; pre-trib, mid-trib, or post trib. And of course you know many C's including the RCC teach there is no rapture.

I have found that G-d intentionally reserves some things, for only Himself to show to us, one-on-one. He actually enjoys our company!

(1 John 3:1) Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God"

 

[Asvin]

Let me interject some mind-boggling info:

there are airtight arguments, thoroughly provable by Scripture, for not 2 but 3 different positions re: the same topic. By highly intelligent, well-learned, and respected Christians.

.


The subject matter I refer to is not really the issue, but the subject happens to be the rapture; pre-trib, mid-trib, or post trib. And of course you know many C's including the RCC teach there is no rapture.

I have found that G-d intentionally reserves some things, for only Himself to show to us, one-on-one. He actually enjoys our company!

(1 John 3:1) Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God"

Makes sense.. Would you suggest a non-christian, like myself am right now, to base his/her life only on the bible or on both the bible and the church? Because, as much as I would love to learn from different sources, Churches come across to me as money and power hungry.. given the history of their actions of course!


Oh, and I forgot to mention how there are thousands of denominations within Christianity itself like those who accept the pope and those who oppose him... It is kind of hard me for me, when researching to hear so many different versions, all supposedly supported by "evidence" by different denominations within Christianity, as if other religions weren't doing that already! I guess I will just continue researching and hope that I hit jackpot! Thanks for your reply!

 

[razeontherock]

Churches come across to me as money and power hungry.. given the history of their actions of course!

Oh, and I forgot to mention how there are thousands of denominations within Christianity itself like those who accept the pope and those who oppose him

Well I do remember seeing an RC icon by your avatar, and I must confess I am saddened you did not have a utopian experience within that institution. I urge you to avoid corruption as Jesus said: "a little leaven leavens the whole lump." Personally I have not found any church leadership to stay free from corruption for even 5 years, so obviously I don't trust any Church claiming to be "the one true," especially if it is ancient. Maybe G-d sees that as an ill, that He will heal me of?

I think the difficulties you expressed do point to the necessity of a "personal relationship with Jesus Christ." It is about knowing HIM!! And some do that very much, w/o seeming to grasp Scripture all that well. Although i have found more frequently that those who know Him, come to understand the Bible greatly, even if they can only barely read.

Remember, we are only strangers here, sojourning through a land that will surely BURN! Nothing wrong with enjoying the journey, don't be surprised by hardship or shirk from it, and don't get too attached to "things." I urge you to work towards the ability to "seek Him with your whole heart."

 

[Annoula]

Oh, and I forgot to mention how there are thousands of denominations within Christianity itself like those who accept the pope and those who oppose him...

the thousands of denominations came from the Roman Catholic Church after the schism.
there was only one Church, then the pope said "i am first", and added the "filioque" and was split by the rest of Christianity. denominations popped-up.

maybe if you look in the depths of Christianity and her early days you'll find valid answers. if you look to whatever each and every denomination says you'll never find an answer.

 

[FutureAndAHope]

Hi Asvin,

You said you were looking for proof that God exists, there is nothing wrong with researching God or looking for proof. God has given me proof time and time again of his existance. I have recorderd the stories on the following website. Know God Personally. They tell of encounters with God, and things like God healing through prayer, and him giving direct guidence in life, etc.

 

[bling]

I understand what you are trying to say.. Obviously what you are saying is based on the Bible.. that is where my dilemma is.. The evidence I research for on different websites contradict each other.. I am just asking why there are contradicting, yet convincing arguments.. obviously one side has to be wrong.. If I know that the evidence presented to me are factual, then I can proceed to believe and follow what the Bible teaches.. do you follow me?

Both can be wrong and to some degree some of each maybe right and wrong.

I am not trying to sell you on the accuracy of some “book”. The Bible is for believers, but sometimes unbelievers can get something from it, besides confusion.

The “evidence” is in God’s Love. Do you need/want that Love. Have you found someone that truly loves you unconditionally, unselfishly (expecting nothing back from you) and desire to Love others like that?

 

[Annoula]

Would you suggest a non-christian, like myself am right now, to base his/her life only on the bible or on both the bible and the church? Because, as much as I would love to learn from different sources, Churches come across to me as money and power hungry.. given the history of their actions of course!

after many many years in my Church i realized that there are actually two kind of churches within the one!!

the first is the one which contains all the surface which can be seen easily, like glamorous churches, glamorous clothing of priests, pompous preaching, money-money-money etc.

the second one is not so clear because you need to have an investigate eye to spot it. it includes a humble and pious attitude towards our brothers and sisters, sometimes you have to go against the "formal" church teachings because Love is what counts and nothing else.
generally you can find it in people who don't talk much, but think and love a lot.

i believe that "ancient" churches are closer to the correct teaching of the Gospels, but we need to be able to see in their depth. there are a lot of answers that will make our souls feel comforted but we need to search pretty deep.